New Zealand Freshwater Fish

11004-05318 Gollum galaxias (Galaxias gollumoides) one of 12 species of non-migratory endemic galaxiids from southern New Zealand. They are classified Nationally vulnerable, occupying an area of 40.8 hectares. Gollumoides can be found in a wide range of habitats from lowland wetlands near sea level to small headwater streams in high country tussocklands up to 1100 m above sea level. They are distributed throughout Southland with population strongholds present in the Mataura, Oreti, Waiau, Aparima, Catlins and Owaka rivers. Incredibly, some populations can even be found on Stewart Island/Rakiura, and are thought to have been distributed there during the Pleistocene ice age when a land-bridge was present. Allen Creek, Kingston *